Arsenal fans jump to defend record signing after heavy criticism from former star

Author:
Barnaby Lane
March 9, 2018

Arsenal fans have jumped to the defence of club record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the striker was labelled a ‘shadow of his former self’ by former star Alan Smith.

Aubameyang was on target for only the second time since joining the club in January for Borussia Dortmund, prodding home from close range in a Gunners’ 2-1 defeat to Brighton last weekend.

The defeat for Arsene Wenger’s men was their third in the space in seven days after having been beaten by Manchester City 3-0 on both last Sunday and Thursday.

And following the defeat at the Amex Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Smith went on the attack against the £57 million striker.

Smith, who played for Arsenal between 1987 and 1995, told Sky Sports: “He looked a shadow of the player he was at Dortmund.

“Even he, in the short time he’s been at Arsenal, has been affected by the mood.

“He got his goal with a little flick, but he’s not the player I hoped he would be.

“I’m not saying he’s a bad player, but it’s a malaise through the dressing room and he’s been affected.”

Before his move to The Emirates, Aubameyang scored an astonishing 141 times in 213 appearances for his former side Borussia Dortmund in just over four seasons.

And the Arsenal fans believe it’s only a matter of time before the Gabon international shows his true class …

Alan Smith’s criticism of Aubameyang is ridiculous. He’s a top player who has scored two Premier League goals in his first four games, whilst playing in a team struggling to create chances. Let the man settle, and avoid him the same treatment that ruined Lacazette’s confidence.

To those having a go at aubameyang already give the guy a chance he’s been only been here for 4 weeks let’s be patient with him and lacazette they will both prove that they are world class goal scorers lacazette has on been here nearly 7 months back off ffs !!

Lacazette and Aubameyang will play together next season and take the PL by storm. Just wait, once they get their confidence back we will be banging in the goals for fun. We are very fortunate to have 2 world class strikers. Have a little more patience and reap the rewards.